Bruce David Bischoff
Bruce David Bischoff
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Bruce Bischoff Obituary
He was born on Nov. 19, 1953, to Howard and Mildred Bischoff. As a boy, he loved to catch frogs, snakes, and turtles in the woods on the family's Bischoff Road homestead. He grew into an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and searching for morel mushrooms in the Huron National Forest. He was a true Renaissance man, gifted in writing, painting, drawing, mathematics, photography, and architecture. He also had a lifelong love for learning and literature.
Bruce was an award winning journalist, honored with five first-place awards from the Michigan Press Association. The Ogemaw County Herald won 28 MPA awards during his tenure as editor-in-chief. Bruce most recently wrote for the Traverse City Record Eagle as an outdoors columnist, sharing his love of Michigan woods and waters with his loyal readers.
Bruce was honored with the American Legion Award for Media Excellence in both 1998 and 2000, the Michigan Coalition for Clean Forests Media Award in 2001 and the Agriculture Communicator of the Year from the Ogemaw County Farm Bureau in 1997 and 1999.
Bruce will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his authenticity, the twinkle in his eye when he succeeded in provoking a debate with one of his editorial columns, and his sense of humor. His family will cherish his memory as a caring son and a loving father.
Bruce is survived by his devoted parents, Howard and Mildred Bischoff of Tawas City; his four beloved children, Rebecca Bischoff of Ann Arbor, Alisa Bischoff of Ann Arbor, John Bischoff of Rapid City, and Brooke Bischoff of Fair Oaks, Calif.; his dear sister, Gail Bischoff, her husband, Bruce's loyal friend and fishing companion, Robert Bailey, both of Grand Ledge; nieces, Stephanie ("Walnut") Bailey of Chicago and Elizabeth ("Peanut") Bailey of Lansing. He also leaves behind his loyal English Setter, Minnie.
He was preceded in death by his beloved older brother, Michael.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 14, at Buresh and Kobs Funeral Home in Tawas City, with Bruce's lifelong friends, the Rev. Ken Tousley and the Rev. Phil Tousley officiating.
If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to Tawas St. Joseph Hospice, the American Cancer Fund, or Trout Unlimited.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jeanne Hubbard
July 3, 2007
To take a theme from the excellent sermon given at Bruce's funeral, this is how I will remember "the Dude": He was a paradox to all those who want to box people in. He was "liberal," yet he was pro-gun and pro-hunter. He was anti-war, yet he was one of the most patriotic men I knew, and won awards for his stories on war veterens and their experiences. He opened the minds of many with his eloquent, informed writing, and he could always, always, back up is arguments with the facts. Bruce refused to be put in a box. I know his soul is resting peacefully, somewhere outside of the box.
Bill Kendall
May 2, 2007
Well Baldy-I took the trip to the Reed and Green for the trout opener this past week - I stood on the bank above the "Big Pine"and said a prayer- you must have heard me because the weather was fair and the fishing was good- we all had a good time but we missed you there-Hope to fish with you in the future-------------------------------------your good friend Billy K
Henry Ramsby
April 29, 2007
I was greatly saddened to see that Bruce passed away while I was in Florida. Although I didn't now him personally, I very much enjoyed his column on the outdoors. He shared a love of nature like I do and I will miss reading the wit and insight he contributed to the Record Eagle and exchanging E-mails. My deepest and profound sympathies.
Zeke Fleet
April 27, 2007
My sincere condolences to friends and family of Bruce Bischoff. Bruce's spirit and courage leave a lasting impression to all of us who had the privilage of working with him.
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Dennis Mansfield
April 26, 2007
I worked in journalism for more than 20 years. And, what was my greatest achievement? I hired Bruce as a part-time writer at the Ogemaw County Herald. More importantly, I met a person who'd become a friend and mentor, and who challenged me every day, making me a better person. I'm very lucky that I have those memories and get to start a variety of stories with, "My friend Bruce ..." And that speaks volumes.
Alisa Bischoff
April 26, 2007
Dad,
I am keeping you so so close every day. I am so lucky to have you, to be your daughter, to be taught by you and loved by you and friends with you. You are a master of words, but I think even you would be stumped to find one huge enough to say how much I miss you. I am keeping you so very close.
Jim Tenbusch
April 25, 2007
To the Bischoff family you have my deepest symathies. I have enjoyed reading Bruce's writings, they reminded me of my own childhood because I had grownup living right next to your family. Bruce would talk about his kids and the places where he hung out while growing up on the farm and those were the same places we played as children. I am sorry for your the loss of your son and father. Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you
Brooke Bischoff
April 16, 2007
I love you Dad. I miss you so much already. You impacted so many peoples lives and left a legacy.
Dana Moutz
April 16, 2007
I live in Kentucky, but my parents are in Midland, MI. Often I search the online news headlines in my favorite places in north central Michigan, including the Record-Eagle, and stumbled upon the James Cook article on April 12 about the life and death of Bruce Bischoff. Never having known of the outdoor columnist, I pulled in, read and collected a number of his columns. I have been touched by his creative imagination, his common sense, his gentle good humor and his fine descriptions of outdoor Michigan. I regret not having the opportunity to write to him as he had often invited his readers to do. So I send my sympathy to his parents and children so they know that Bruce has communicated Michigan to me in the way I have always appreciated but have so seldom seen expressed. I’m grateful for his life and legacy.
S. B.
April 16, 2007
Though he is gone, Bruce left behind many memories and thoughts to ponder - especially in his writing. He was intelligent, thoughtful, artistic and mild-mannered. We'll miss you, Bruce, but you're still with us in spirit.
Joe Robertson
April 14, 2007
Bruce was a very thoughtful, talented person. He loved the out of doors and was able to express himself through his writing as one who loved all of nature. He dearly loved his four children. He seemed to be a quiet thoughtful person. He died much too young. He was brave and poised in dealing with a very devestating illness. Rev. Joe Robertson, a long-time friend.
Alison Widmer
April 14, 2007
The dude abides from a better place now. We'll all miss him terribly. Though we're thankful that his pain and suffering is over, we all feel the pain of his loss and will suffer without him in our lives. We have some great memories and even better photos, and we'll always remember him fondly.
Bruce was a good friend, a good man, and a good writer and editor. This newspaper was lucky to feature his talent and even-tempered opinion on outdoor issues over the past few years.
We love you, Bruce, and wish only the best for your family. We honor your life.
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